The Japanese treat of skewered meats, and much more besides, is always a pleasant way to while away an evening.

Loyal regulars had mentioned to me that Cafe Rikka in Newmarket had gone badly off the boil. Then I heard it had closed. These two things may not be unrelated.

We came here because we were staying in Mangawhai for Easter - along with several thousand other people; the coastal tourist spot was packed.

Ponsonby newcomer kicks off to a strong start.

A little Indonesia in the heart of Parnell.

We came here because my brother-in-law and his wife were housesitting close by and had made this their local for a few weeks. They were big fans, so we came to find out what the fuss was about.

The first and last time I saw Tristan, we were both stoned as chooks.

Remuera, I have an apology to make ...

I don't mourn Cin Cin because its spirit has been dead so long.

A beach suburb turns up a surprisingly decent dining out option.

We came here because one of my regular brunch companions goes past this newish cafe and thought it looked worth investigating.

Grand. The proof of that is of course in the food.

I'm beginning to consider the possibility that I don't like my friends.

An established restaurant gets its core ingredient mostly right but seemingly at the expense of others.

A Viaduct restaurant provides a convincing combination of meals from all Southeast Asia.

We came here because we'd heard good things of this newish cafe.

An Auckland icon in a prime locale doesn't quite make the most of its assets.

We came here because we'd heard the Pumphouse theatre's cafe had changed hands and it was a lovely day to enjoy the lake.

A relocated Christchurch restaurant worth celebrating.

Auckland is bursting with eateries keen to attract a younger clientele.

The message about locally sourced, seasonal ingredients has been hammered so repetitively that you almost wish a restaurant offer winter greens from Uzbekistan in February. Almost.

We came here because Divan has an all-day breakfast menu so we could pretend it was morning as we sat down to our first meal.

An old story goes that the guides in the Uffizi, the fabulous Renaissance gallery in Florence, would quietly remind visitors that "it is not the paintings that are on trial here".

Roxy gets the fine dining formula just right.

Tucked away behind K Rd, a stylish wine bar provides a night to remember.

Isn't Mission Bay a perfect example of the urban seaside? Rangitoto smiles - or in bad weather, glowers - and the wind scoops white-tops across the harbour surface. So why is it the place that good food forgot?

We came here because we often stop for some of their great takeaway coffee en route to the train station at the south end of the Mall and have been meaning to come back for a sit-down meal for a while.

A few tweaks are needed to make this eatery a fiesta of flavour.